Assassin’s Creed Shadows has made a splash right out of the gate, surpassing one million players on its debut day. This impressive start puts it ahead of previous series entries and offers Ubisoft a much-needed win after some lukewarm game receptions.
Anticipation ran high for the March 20, 2025, launch of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and the game has delivered, reaching PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Fans of the series are thrilled with the introduction of a Feudal Japan setting, a long-desired backdrop finally realized in this installment. The game features an intriguing dynamic between two distinct characters: Yasuke, a samurai, and Naoe, a shinobi. This duo’s compelling storyline has resonated well, helping the game achieve an average score of 81 on OpenCritic. Critic reviews aren’t the only ones showering praise, as players have also flocked to experience the game.
Just hours after its release, Assassin’s Creed Shadows took to Twitter to announce that over a million players had joined. The game quickly climbed to the top of Steam’s Top Sellers list, outperforming other recent hits like Monster Hunter Wilds and Split Fiction. According to SteamDB, the game also boasts a peak concurrent player count of 41,412—an impressive figure.
The launch day buzz is not only setting new highs for Ubisoft but also signifies a turnaround after a challenging 2024. Past releases, including Star Wars Outlaws and XDefiant, didn’t quite meet expectations, making this success even sweeter. If Assassin’s Creed Shadows continues gaining momentum, it could play a crucial role in stabilizing Ubisoft’s future in the gaming industry, which has been beset by uncertainty and takeover rumors.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows invites players to dive into the rich and turbulent history of Feudal Japan. This action-adventure tale weaves a captivating narrative with stunning open-world exploration, dynamic environments, and engaging gameplay. Players seamlessly switch between the cunning shinobi, Naoe, and the powerful samurai, Yasuke, mastering unique combat styles and abilities in a land populated with vibrant towns, loyal allies, and adversaries lurking in every shadow. Whether sneaking past foes or engaging in epic battles, the game offers a thrilling experience that both old fans and newcomers will savor.